The problem is that the amount given to the states will not keep up with projected health care costs. Changes in the allotment will be tied to changes in the medical part of the Consumer Price Index, which, for various reasons, is unlikely to increase as quickly as the cost of health care. Per-person allotments are an elaborate cost-shifting mechanism — a fancy way to reduce federal funding and transfer financial responsibility for the health care of low-income Americans to states. So, under the banner of flexibility, the current Republican plan would force states to make a series of Hobson’s choices. It would force states to ration care and deny some Americans lifesaving treatments or nursing home care.

Source: New York Times March 08, 2017 02:40 UTC